What a difference a year makes

One year ago today my niece Madison was born. She was 3 months premature and weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. The hospital said hope for the best but prepared for the worst. They even tried to prepare my sister for the unimaginable but she wouldn't hear of it and neither would we. I remember the book the hospital gave her about dealing with the loss of a child. I also distinctly remember telling my sister to throw the book away, being the person I know she is she hadn't planned on reading it anyway. We come from a strong Christian family and we knew that no matter how skilled the staff was that ultimately things were in God's hands.

Madison had to remain in the NICU at Long Beach Memorial for 3 months and finally came home on what was her original due date. She endured surgeries on her heart, eyes and a number of transfusions, not to mention being connected to all sorts of machines and poked and prodded day in and day out. It was all for her good but you couldn't help but cringe at the thought of everything. She was often times heavily sedated so she wouldn't pull out any of her tubes and be in too much pain. The NICU staff was amazing and Madison's parents got to visit her each day. The swine flu was in full swing so we couldn't visit her for a while, but we were provided updates and pictures daily.

When Madison finally came home she was surrounded with all the love a child could ask for and more. I consider myself especially lucky because I've been able to spend a portion of almost every day with her since she came home. She is our miracle baby and living proof that God answers prayers.

So to Madison, on your first birthday you dear sweet little girl, I wish you many more happy birthdays and lots of love.

I thought I'd seen it all...and then there was this

I have been to different countries but I've never seen anything quite like this. A one stop shop for hair, nails, tatoos and eyebrow arching - in the middle of the street!  It's Jamaica's Street Side Salon. I guess it's kind of like the places here in Los Angeles that are beauty supply stores, salons, jewelry stores and clothing stores that also sell lottery tickets. Major difference - it looks like you might need a tetanus shot after visiting the Street Side Salon.

A day with my nieces.

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Well June is finally here, that means summer is just around the corner. I had a fab day with my nieces. We went to the park got chased by a dog and had to run home. Funniest shit ever, especially because the only time I run is when I'm being chased.

Madi got on a slide for the first time and her cousin was more than happy to hold her on the way down.

All in all it was a great day.

Sliding was a bit too much for little Madi, she spent the remainder of the day on a blanket in the shade.